What is Pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (also known as PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system (uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes).  

How is transmitted?

In some cases, the cause of infection that leads to PID can be unknown. Most cases are caused by a bacterial infection, or a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other ways it can be caught are:  

Following a gynaecological procedure: Internal procedures such as abortions, or coil insertions have the chance of introducing bacteria to the area. 

After childbirth: It is more likely to occur if the labour or delivery had complications. 

Secondary infection from surgery: If an infection was present (such as appendicitis), there is a small chance of scar tissue forming causing inflammation. 

Symptoms of PID

PID only affects people with female genitals. Most infections that cause PID generally have no symptoms (asymptomatic) so you may not be aware you have it until it’s been left untreated for a long time. The general symptoms of PID are mild, and can include: 

  • Lower abdominal (stomach) pain which can be severe 
  • Pain during sex and when urinating 
  • Bleeding in-between periods and after sex 
  • Unusually heavy, and more painful periods 
  • Unusual discharge  
  • Fever and nausea, but these are less common 

These symptoms are similar to other infections and STIs, so it is important to book an appointment at a sexual health clinic if you are concerned about your symptoms or think you may have PID. 

Prevention and protection

PID cannot be passed on from partner to partner, however the infections that cause it can be. The best ways to protect yourself are: 

Condoms: using a condom helps to prevent the spread of STIs that may cause PID, as well as unplanned pregnancy. If you use sex toys, cover these with a new condom before each use. 

STI testing: regular testing can help prevent STIs, or ensure they are caught early and treated before PID, or other complications occur 

Communication: having open and honest conversations with your partner(s) about STI testing and protection is essential 

Treatment: taking your treatment correctly, and completing the course is important to avoid re-infection, and abstaining from sex until you are treated can prevent you and your partner(s) passing any infections back and forth. 

Treatment for PID

If it’s caught early, you will likely be prescribed a 14-day course of antibiotics and an injection. These cover most infections that could have caused PID to occur. It is important that you complete the entire course of treatment to avoid complications or reinfection, you will also need to avoid sexual intercourse until your treatment is completed. 

Your sexual partner(s) will need to be treated for any STIs that may have caused PID. 

Where to get help in Bexley

If you are experiencing severe pain, you should seek urgent medical attention from your GP or local A&E department. 

If your symptoms are mild, or they concern you, then you can book an appointment at your local sexual health clinic.  

What happens at your appointment?

A doctor or nurse will ask you about your symptoms and will have a feel of your abdomen if you are experiencing pain. You will be required to take a pregnancy test with a urine sample. A swab sample may be taken from the vagina, or the cervix. In some cases, you may be referred to have an ultrasound at a hospital.  

As there is no specific test that detects PID, you may be examined in more detail which can include more in-depth questions about your symptoms, and genital examination which can include using a speculum. You will be screened for most STIs and may have a blood test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B&C. 

You will be encouraged to inform your sexual partner(s) as they may need to be treated for an infection that has caused your PID. A doctor or nurse can do this anonymously for you through a partner notification service. A follow up appointment may be recommended in 2-4 weeks to ensure your treatment has worked. 

Complications of PID

If left untreated, PID can result in infertility or other serious issues such as: 

  • Chronic pelvic pain 
  • Ectopic pregnancy 
  • Pelvic abscesses  
  • Narrowing of the fallopian tubes, resulting in reduced fertility 
  • Sepsis  

If you keep getting PID, you have a higher chance of experiencing complications. If you have a severe case of PID, you may be hospitalised and treated with intravenous (a drip in your arm) antibiotics. 

PID in pregnancy

Untreated PID can result in ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops in the fallopian tubes) which can be life-threatening to yourself, the pregnancy cannot be saved if this occurs. 

If you are already pregnant and develop PID, you are not at risk of ectopic pregnancy. The cause of the PID will be investigated by a doctor, nurse or midwife and will prescribe the relevant treatment.  

Other STIs